NBA 2K19 Reviews

NBA 2K19 is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10
Sep 24, 2018

NBA 2K19 is the absolute best NBA simulation experience, with numerous refinements and improvements over previous years. I think there was a missed opportunity of adding the tutorials for newcomers located in 2KU into the MyCareer game mode, which puts you into the action without explaining any of the intricacies of the mechanics. The Neighborhood online hub experience has been improved, yielding more chances to earn VC, as well as hosting numerous events. The servers are another story, however, as the game will frequently not connect or hang while trying to synchronize data without a proper error message. At some point, the heavy reliance (although toned down) on microtransactions needs to be removed from the game entirely.

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8 / 10.0
Sep 17, 2018

A few hiccups along the way, especially in relation to some pretty serious online multiplayer instabilities, definitely bring down the experience in 2K19. Thankfully though, these quibbles don't tarnish what is definitely the best option for your basketball fix this year.

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4.5 / 5.0
Sep 20, 2018

2K19 is a must buy game for all NBA fans. The MyCareer mode has been improved with all new additions and changes to the Neighborhood. The graphics have dramatically improved and the refined movement of players and the realistic aspect of the game is at an all-time high. 2K has again proved why they are the superior basketball game.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 13, 2018

If the NBA 2K series is the LeBron James of basketball games, then NBA 2K19 is another triple double from Visual Concepts. A game with improved gameplay, a great Prelude and an incomparable presentation. Still, mind that the microtransactions are still here, and they are as annoying as ever.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Gamersky
Top Critic
8.7 / 10.0
Sep 11, 2018

The brand-new MyCareer mode makes NBA 2K19 still worth a try. Although NBA Live makes a progress this year, NBA 2K19 is way ahead of it. One-year interval surely can't bring any revolutionary changes, but 2K still gives us something interesting.

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Cheat Code Central
Top Critic
3.2 / 5.0
Sep 10, 2018

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EGM
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Sep 11, 2018

NBA 2K19 had a real opportunity to learn from last year's mistakes, and in some ways it did. The Neighborhood is more convenient, the Prelude is way more interesting, and the gameplay has seen some subtle but important improvements. Unfortunately, all this is marred yet again by the game's predatory microtransaction system, which turns the MyCareer stuff into a grind-heavy, pay-to-skip farce.

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GameSkinny
RobertPIngram
Top Critic
Sep 21, 2018

There is a lot to like about NBA 2K19, but it's hard to come away from it without a bad taste in your mouth. Its pay-to-win nature and occasional hiccups are hard to swallow.

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80 / 100
Oct 9, 2018

In terms of graphics and gameplay, NBA 2K19 is the best in the series till today. The less forced use of Microtransaction and improvements of story mode are the main reasons to go for this one but the annual release of the series doesn't really let you notice the changes.

Review in Persian | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Oct 19, 2018

NBA with LeBron James looks promising, but it is just another year without bigger inovations and with almost same gameplay as 2K17 and'2K18.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

Gamefa
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2018

No one can make a basketball game better than 2k and This year with NBA 2K19, 2k proved it once more. Although microtransactions and some technical problems prevent NBA 2019 from becoming a legend, but it's still one of the best sport games of this generation and one of the best basketball game of all time.

Review in Persian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 30, 2018

NBA 2k19 is without a doubt still the king of the court. Refined gameplay, Great UI and high replay value have kept the game's position high, but microtransactions, bad servers and 2K's wrong policys have threatened this position

Review in Persian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Oct 12, 2018

NBA 2K19 is still the go-to basketball simulation game out there. Its polish and refinement have only improved since last year, and it's difficult to imagine any improvements for next year. The MyCareer story has definitely improved, and so have the cut scene management and character customization. MyTeam feels like a revolving mode of new updates and content, but players who don't purchase VC may be getting the short end of the stick, since 10 pack boxes are exclusive to VC only. The game is amazing in all regards, but the constant reminder and pressure to purchase VC is wearing thin.

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75 / 100
Sep 21, 2018

It's nice to see NBA 2K19 working to get back to being a powerhouse franchise. This year's MyCareer mode is titled The Way Back, and it feels appropriate for this latest entry - the first step in climbing its way back to being the best.

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90 / 100
Sep 21, 2018

Despite keeping last year's terrible decision to force players to buy into microtransactions, NBA 2K19 is still the king of sports games. The matches are better than ever and there are enough alternatives for those who don't want to spend a dime over the game's price, even if they are not ideal. You'll still feel like you're in the courts of the best basketball league in the world.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

Digitally Downloaded
Nick H.
Top Critic
Sep 18, 2018

The world class presentation, excellent execution of modes and gameplay mechanics really do make NBA 2K19 the best sports game around.

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7 / 10
Sep 14, 2018

NBA 2K19's on-court disappointments are somewhat remedied by the hugely entertaining off-the-court shenanigans, but a steep learning curve may leave less experienced players a little overwhelmed.

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Sep 14, 2018

"NBA 2K19" is as complete a sports video game as any ever made, and only its aggressive monetization tactics hold it back from being considered one of the greatest. With four different Franchise Mode variants, an enjoyable Story Mode, a rich suite of online features and continued celebration of the history of the league, "NBA 2K19" offers something for everyone.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2018

You can do pretty much whatever you want, whether it's play every game with your favorite team, sim seasons and be a manager, invent your own team, bring in legends to the modern NBA, or play through cinematic stories. It's a lot to take in and sift through, but if you have a passing affinity for basketball, a mode is likely here for you. NBA 2K19 is a top-tier sports game, even on the Switch. It's just a shame the microtransactions are ever present.

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Heavy
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2018

NBA 2K19 is still a quality basketball sim full of content and strong gameplay. However, it offers an overly familiar experience and is brought down by a litany of issues that are hard to ignore.

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